Field Guide: R&B Medium Forestry Hose Pack

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Field Guide: R&B Medium Forestry Hose Pack

Category: Forestry & Logging Tools

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The R&B Medium Forestry Hose Pack (Model M/S-102) is a single-operator wildland fire deployment system that enables one firefighter to transport and progressively lay 200 feet of 1-inch single-jacket forestry hose in terrain inaccessible to standard fire apparatus.

The pack is engineered for initial attack operations where engine access ends and foot mobility begins. Its dual-compartment design houses two separate 100-foot hose rolls, pre-connected inside the pack, allowing a continuous 200-foot progressive lay without stopping to couple sections in the field. The rear deployment flap functions as a self-belaying system, feeding hose directly from the pack as the operator advances, minimizing kinks, tangles, and delays under pressure.

Structural components include a 22-oz. vinyl main body, rigid sidewalls, a hard base, and padded shoulder straps rated for a fully loaded carry weight of approximately 20 to 40 pounds depending on hose and water weight. The high-visibility yellow exterior supports equipment accountability on the fireline. A removable internal divider physically separates the two hose rolls to ensure sequential, unobstructed deployment. The rigid base allows the pack to stand independently on uneven ground for hands-free reloading in staging.

Field readiness for this system depends on correct pre-deployment loading protocol, pre-shift inspection of all load-bearing stitching and hardware, and strict adherence to a controlled walking pace during the lay. Reloading is prohibited in any active fire area or IDLH environment and must be conducted only in a designated safe area or during re-supply operations.

Field Application Steps

1. PRE-DEPLOYMENT INSPECTION: Inspect the pack body for tears, frayed stitching, punctures, or damaged buckles and fasteners. Confirm the removable internal divider is present, correctly positioned, and secured between the two compartments.

2. LOAD HOSE 1: Place the first 100-foot roll of 1-inch single-jacket forestry hose into one compartment. Orient the female coupling at the bottom and the male coupling at the top.

3. LOAD HOSE 2: Place the second 100-foot roll into the adjacent compartment using the same orientation: female coupling at the bottom, male coupling at the top.

4. CONNECT THE HOSE ROLLS: Connect the male coupling of Hose 1 to the female coupling of Hose 2 inside the pack, creating a single continuous 200-foot hoselay staged for deployment.

5. STAGE THE LEAD COUPLING: Position the final male coupling of Hose 2 at the top of the pack for immediate access at the connection point. This is the coupling that will attach to the wye valve.

6. SECURE THE PACK: Close the top flap and fasten it tightly to retain the hose rolls during transport and protect them from debris en route to the deployment point.

7. DON AND ADVANCE: Don the pack using the padded shoulder straps, adjusting for a snug, balanced fit seated high on the back. Proceed to the deployment point carrying required hand tools and maintaining full situational awareness of terrain and fire behavior.

8. CONNECT TO WATER SOURCE: At the connection point, place the pack on the ground. Open the top flap, retrieve the staged male coupling, and connect it securely to the female port on the wye valve. Verify a solid, leak-free connection before proceeding.

9. OPEN REAR DEPLOYMENT FLAP: Open the rear deployment flap to allow hose to feed freely from the compartments. Confirm the line path is clear of personnel and obstructions before signaling for water.

10. ADVANCE AND LAY: Signal for water charge, then begin walking at a steady, controlled pace toward the target. Do not run. Advancing too quickly will cause the hose to bind inside the pack or kink behind you, disrupting flow and the lay.

11. COMPLETE THE LAY: Once all 200 feet of hose are deployed, the pack will be empty. Un-don the pack or allow it to drop clear, and advance to the nozzle position to continue suppression operations.

12. POST-DEPLOYMENT SUSTAINMENT: After operations, empty the pack of all debris including dirt, ash, and leaves. Wipe interior and exterior with a damp cloth to remove soot and grime, then air dry the pack completely before storage to prevent mildew and material degradation.

Equip Yourself: R&B Medium Forestry Hose Pack – 200ft. Wildland Carrier

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.